The catwalk: Oriental infusion

SS2013 is in full swing. The weather is warm, the sun is shining and flowers are in full bloom in wardrobes from London to New York. One of the season’s top trends welcomes Oriental-style pieces with a Western flavour. Asian-inspired motifs have been dawning the pages of fashion magazines everywhere. High fashion Oriental pieces have been a fixture on the catwalk this season and the good news is, if you are into this trend you can get your hands on some trendy pieces that can be infused into your everyday style, adding a little Asian spice to your closet this season.

When I found out my husband was going to dedicate a day to shop for me in London, my Sherlock Holmes skills emerged. I quickly started researching his target shopping destination, Oasis, and I stumbled upon a full section of their site dedicated to the Oriental trend. I fell in love with some of the pieces I saw, and I decided to embrace my inner geisha and give this trend a try.

This floral plait neck top features a vintage floral print, ruffle trim cap sleeves, a keyhole button closure and layered pleated hem. Since it's light and airy it pairs well with skinny denim. It's shown below with dark blue skinnies but it also works very well with white. I've worn it both ways, and I like to change it up between the two to keep my look fresh. Sometimes I wear this top with a thin coloured belt to create a defined waistline but I think it's nice to let the shirt just flow as it is (both looks are shown below.) As I mentioned in a previous post, I love Oasis (I can't emphasize how much I love them) and I hope that someday they'll ship to Canada but for now you can order Oasis pieces on asos.com. Keep your eye out for this trend during SS2013 and let me know if you try it too! x

Photo by Sam Russell.

Photo by Sam Russell.

Photo by Sam Russell.

Photo by Sam Russell.

The catwalk: Seeing spots

Polka dots have always been a timeless fashion staple. I began seeing spots last year when polka dots started trending, and it's clear they're having a moment in the spotlight again in 2013. They're fun and feminine and they've been spotted adorning nearly everything from cute flats and tops, to handbags and delicate dresses. They go very well with neutrals and solids, but can also be paired with print for a bolder more fashion-forward look.

If you know anything about me at all you know that I love a good fashion find, especially when I can really get my money's worth out of it. I don't usually buy things that will go out of style quickly. Instead, I try to find some great timeless versatile pieces to diversify my wardrobe. My polka dot popover is a perfect example of a piece I’m proud to say was a great fashion investment.

While on a solo shopping mission at South Coast Plaza I visited J.Crew in search of summery tops and bright bottoms. That’s where I found my skinny red denim and vintage sailor-inspired tee. I was happy with my fashion finds and getting ready to move on but my lovely personal stylist at J.Crew insisted I try on a brand new arrival – a pretty polka dot popover. It was love at first sight (which is a big deal for me!) This precious piece can go easily from day to night and can be worn in many different ways – part of the reason I love it so much. I've since purchased other polka dot pieces and who knows… maybe you’ll see them featured in the future!

You can (and really should) get this look too! My J.Crew popover has made its way to J.Crew Factory, where you can purchase it either in store or online. If you want the look for a lower price, check out Forever 21 for a comparable style. If you have a hankering for a high quality piece, you can find this style at Neiman Marcus both in store and online. I’ll be seeing you in the spotlight soon! x

P.S. I'd like to give a huge shout out to my friend Sam Russell, who is kind enough to take pictures of me for my blog almost every week. Sam is fantastic and super-talented. If you'd like to see more photos by Sam, you can check out his work here. 

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell

The catwalk: Royal mint

It’s cool, fresh and appealing to the eye. A place where money is made, and a key ingredient in mojitos. It even means modest, insightful and kind-hearted. Sounds delicious, doesn't it? Mint is a cool colour (literally) that was touted the trendiest hue of spring 2012 and is still trending this season. Mint has an air of sophistication with a hint of femininity. I had to have it, no question. But how does one with a fair complexion pull it off?

That’s a great question, considering last year I said that pastels wouldn't work against my fair skin tone. The truth is that I thought pastels wouldn't work because I wasn't used to seeing myself in them. Every time I tried one on I’d find a different reason why not to buy. I call it the pastel complex. ‘It makes me look too pale!’ ‘Do I look like I’m sick?’ ‘What’s that? Did someone say chocolate?’

Since I've accepted the way I look in pastels, I've been surrounded by a whole new colour experience! While shopping for key pieces this season, light and breezy spring tops were at the top of my list. And so was mint. I found the perfect minty piece at a DKNY outlet and its flowing fabric goes wonderfully with my white skinny denim. Pair it with some standout black pumps and a dainty black handbag and you’re ready for a night out. If the weather is cool, layer a blue jean jacket over the top with a printed scarf to pull the look together. Finally, I can check mint off my list!

You can get this look too by visiting your fav shop, and if that doesn't do the trick just search for ‘mint blouse’ on Polyvore and you’ll be lost in lots of options in no time. Happy shopping! x

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell

The catwalk: Pretty in print

Summer is almost here and hernameiscat is ready for the catwalk! After a winter hiatus (or maybe hibernation) I'm back and ready to blog about my favourite fashion trends and to tell you where you can find them!

My first look of the season features a summer staple that's very on-trend and was bought from a lovely place in one of the big four fashion capitals of the world – London, England. My husband was on a business trip in the UK, and I think he sensed that I might be a little envious of his location because he earmarked a whole day at the end of his trip to go shopping for me. Clearly, I took advantage (what girl wouldn't?) Someone quickly pointed him in the direction of Oasis, a contemporary British brand that’s grown to 79 stores world-wide and conveniently seemed like it was right up my fashion alley.

Putting my fab fashion investigative skills to good use, I quickly started researching. I'm thinking that this store is amazing yet I can’t have everything. How can I choose? I sent him a variety of things I liked – everything from dresses, to tops, to accessories – to help him as he embarked on his shopping mission (not an easy task, I might add!) He went to the store armed with photos and styles, and he was there no time before some of the friendly staff were voluntarily recruited to help complete Operation Oasis. He left with a few pieces that I absolutely adore, and some complimentary chocolate for the road!

Now, back to the dress. This Photo Floral Skater Dress which was featured in LOOK is a clear favourite. I love everything about it: from its bold floral print, subtle pleated front, and cut out detailing to its cinched waist, bright belt and flowy skirt. It’s perfect for anytime and any place. Wear it to work with black tights and pumps, dress it down during the day with a pair of flats or sandals, or glam it up during the night with your fav heels! Finish the look with a bright handbag and fun accessories.

While Oasis doesn’t ship to Canada (yet – I’m hoping that someday they will), you can still get their latest trends on asos.com. I, for one, am now an Oasis girl! Happy shopping, and see you next week! x

Photo Floral Skater Dress by Oasis. Photo by Sam Russell

"Denise!" Photo Floral Skater Dress by Oasis. Photo by Sam Russell

Cut out detail. Photo Floral Skater Dress by Oasis. Photo by Sam Russell

The catwalk: Styling away in seafoam green

Seafoam green is a colour that decorated fashion magazines and adorned clothing racks just a few months ago. I hadn't considered this colour to be fashionable until then, but I desperately wanted to find a way to incorporate it into my wardrobe.

After trying some billowy seafoam blouses and skirts, I felt that the colour wasn't quite right against my skintone (at least that's what I thought... it would take a second opinion to convince me otherwise.) Instead of going with a predominant standout piece I thought I'd try this sweet hue with some accessories. Success! I found a cute pair of floral studs at a Kate Spade outlet, and I wear them when I want to add a subtle pop of colour to an outfit! It's the perfect way for me to embrace this trend without swimming in a sea of green. 

Happy weekend! x

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell